Today, Stewart and the rest of the garage await NASCAR’s decision on his latest transgression. During ESPN2’s coverage of Saturday Nextel Cup practice at Kansas Speedway, Stewart, who has been feuding with ESPN this year, barked at an ESPN cameraman and in the process used an infamous four-letter word. The incident appeared on live television, officially a no-no.
So, what does NASCAR do?
If it follows its pattern – and it’s never a safe bet to assume NASCAR will do that – Stewart will be fined at least $25,000 and, more critically, lose at least 25 points, a subtraction that obviously could be crucial in the run toward the championship. Mike Hembree, Blog.Scenedaily
NASCAR officials have yet to comment about Tony Stewart uttering an obscenity during the ESPN2 telecast of the Saturday morning Nextel Cup practice session at Kansas Speedway.
Stewart was talking to driver Robby Gordon when he walked by an ESPN camera operator. Stewart turned and started to walk away when he looked at the camera operator and said: “What? Get the [expletive] away from me.”
Stewart, who hasn’t commented about the incident, has had several conduct-related problems this season. He was placed on probation by NASCAR in April for failing to fulfill in media obligations after the race at Phoenix. ABC Local
NASCAR officials requested a videotape of the exchange and said they were investigating the matter.
A penalty could damage a bid for a third championship by Stewart, who will enter Sunday’s Lifelock 400 trailing Jeff Gordon by two points in the Chase for the Nextel Cup standings.
Stewart was docked 25 points and fined $25,000 for saying “bull——” in an ESPN interview after winning the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on July 29 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was fined $10,000 and placed on probation through Dec. 31 for skipping media obligations after finishing second at Phoenix International Raceway on April 21. A few days later, he accused compared NASCAR with professional wrestling in accusing its officials of throwing bogus cautions for debris.
ESPN broadcaster Dr. Jerry Punch apologized to viewers after Stewart’s latest transgression. Nate Ryan, USA TODAY
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